Vaginal Dryness

What is Vaginal Dryness?

Normally, the vaginal walls stay lubricated with a thin layer of clear fluid. Estrogen helps maintain this fluid to keep the lining of the vagina healthy. A drop in estrogen levels can reduce the levels of moisture available. Vaginal dryness is a symptom that many women experience at some point in their lives. It can be caused by certain medications, a decrease in hormone levels, menopause, or breastfeeding.

Common symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

• Pain with sitting or standing
• Discomfort exercising
• Uncomfortable urination
• Painful intercourse

Vaginal Dryness Treatment Options

In order to diagnose vaginal dryness, a pelvic exam may be performed to check for thinning tissue or redness in the vagina. There are a number of different treatment options to address this condition, including:

Topical Estrogen Therapy

The most common vaginal dryness treatment is topical estrogen therapy. This replaces some of the hormones that the body no longer creates in order to relieve vaginal symptoms.

There are three main types of vaginal estrogen, including:

Ring

A soft, flexible ring is inserted into the vagina where it releases an ongoing stream of estrogen. The ring is replaced every three months.

Tablet

A disposable applicator is used to place a tablet into the vagina once a day for the first two weeks. Then it is used twice a week until it is no longer needed.

Cream

An applicator is used to insert the cream into the vagina. The cream is usually applied daily for 1-2 weeks, and then 1-3 times a week as directed by the provider.

Non-hormonal Topical Treatments

There are also non-hormonal topical treatment options that some individuals may find beneficial. Vaginal moisturizers such as glycerin-mineral oil-polycarbophil can be purchased at a drug store. Coconut oil is another popular over-the-counter topical treatment available in most pharmacies. Hyaluronic acid suppositories can be ordered online and used two to three times per week to alleviate dryness. 

Procedures

For women who are looking for an alternative to topical treatments, several exciting options are available. The MonaLisa Touch® is an ablative laser therapy that is performed in the office to restore the health of the vaginal lining. It takes less than five minutes, is painless, and requires just three treatments separated by six weeks.

The ThermiVa® uses radiofrequency to restore vaginal health. This is another office-based treatment that takes approximately 20 minutes to perform. Most women will require one to three treatments for optimal results. In this treatment, heat directed at the vaginal walls and labia stimulates collagen production, blood supply and nerve proliferation resulting in improved elasticity, tightening of the vagina, improved moisture, and enhanced sensitivity.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) can be used alone or in conjunction with the MonaLisa Touch®, The O-Shot® or ThermiVa® therapies to further enhance vaginal health. With the PRP procedure, a tube of blood is collected and processed. The plasma is then delivered to the vagina alone, or the vagina, labia and clitoris to enhance tissue regrowth, restore moisture, enhance orgasm and vaginal sensitivity. PRP has also been shown to improve urinary leakage in some women. 

Other Treatments

There are also other treatment options that some individuals may find beneficial. Vaginal moisturizers such as glycerin-mineral oil-polycarbophil can be purchased at a drug store. An oral drug called ospemifene can also be used to make vaginal tissue thicker, resulting in less discomfort during sex.

PAINFUL SEX TREATMENT GUIDE

Click a condition below to learn more about our recommended treatment options.

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginal dryness can be a painful or uncomfortable symptom that has many possible causes. It is a common symptom of menopause, due to a drop in estrogen levels reducing the amount of moisture in the vagina.

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Vaginismus (Muscle Spasms)

Vaginismus occurs when the vaginal muscles spasm or squeeze when something is entering it. These contractions can prevent sexual intercourse or make it a painful experience.

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Vulvodynia (Vulvar Pain)

Vulvodynia is chronic pain around the opening of the vagina that lasts for three months or more. There is often no identifiable cause, and symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable.

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Pelvic floor dysfunction

Pelvic floor dysfunction is the inability to correctly relax and coordinate the pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to complications such as a frequent need to use the bathroom, constipation, pain in the lower pack or genitals, and more.

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Clitoral pain

Clitoral pain causes women to experience a painful sensation in the clitoris. It can range from mild to severe and may be caused by a number of factors.

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CONDITIONS

Vaginal Dryness

Vaginismus (Muscle Spasms)

Vulvodynia (Vulvar Pain)

Pelvic floor dysfunction

Clitoral pain

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